Organic electrode materials face two outstanding issues
in the
practical applications in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), dissolution
and poor electronic conductivity. Herein, we fabricate a nanocomposite
of an anthraquinone carboxylate lithium salt (LiAQC) and graphene
to address the two issues. LiAQC is synthesized via a green and facile
one-pot reaction and then ball-milled with graphene to obtain a nanocomposite
(nr-LiAQC/G). For comparison, single LiAQC is also ball-milled to
form a nanorod (nr-LiAQC). Together with pristine LiAQC, the three
samples are used as cathodes for LIBs. Results show that good cycling
performance can be obtained by introducing the −CO2Li hydrophilic group on anthraquinone. Furthermore, the nr-LiAQC/G
demonstrates not only a high initial discharge capacity of 187 mAh
g–1 at 0.1 C but also good cycling stability (reversible
capacity: ∼165 mAh g–1 at 0.1 C after 200
cycles) and good rate capability (the average discharge capacity of
149 mAh g–1 at 2 C). The superior electrochemical
properties of the nr-LiAQC/G profit from graphene with high electronic
conductivity, the nanorod structure of LiAQC shortening the transport
distance for lithium ions and electrons, and the introduction of the
−CO2Li hydrophilic group decreasing the dissolution
of LiAQC in the electrolyte. Meanwhile, density functional theory
calculations support the roles of graphene and −CO2Li groups. The fabrication is general and facile, ready to be extended
to other organic electrode materials.